Herbert Raymond “H.R.” McMaster was born on July 24, 1962, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was married to Kathleen Trotter. He is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, military historian, and former U.S. National Security Advisor. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1984. He later earned a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in American history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His doctoral research formed the basis of his widely read book Dereliction of Duty, which critically examined U.S. military leadership during the Vietnam War and became influential within military and academic circles.

McMaster began his military career as an armor officer and gained national recognition during the Gulf War, where, as a captain, he commanded Eagle Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regiment at the Battle of 73 Easting. In that engagement, his troop destroyed a large number of Iraqi armored vehicles without suffering losses, earning him the Silver Star. He later held a variety of leadership roles, including commanding the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment and the 3rd Cavalry Regiment during the Iraq War, where he led successful counterinsurgency operations in Tal Afar. He also served as a key advisor to senior commanders. He contributed to the development of modern U.S. Army doctrine, eventually rising to the rank of lieutenant general and serving in senior positions within the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command.

In February 2017, McMaster was appointed National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, serving until April 2018 while remaining on active duty. After resigning from the position, he retired from the U.S. Army later that year. In his post-military career, McMaster has continued to influence national security policy as a senior fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, a lecturer, author, and public commentator on global security issues, while also hosting discussions and publishing works on foreign policy and strategy.

Silver Star Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Herbert Raymond McMaster, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action from 23 February 1991 to 28 February 1991, while serving as Commander, Troop E, 2d Squadron, 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, 2d Armored Division. Captain McMaster’s courageous action while engaged in ground combat against a numerically superior enemy force earned him the loyalty of his subordinates, the respect of his peers, and the sincere gratitude of his superiors. He led his troops and directed troop fires at targets to protect his soldiers’ lives and defeat the enemy. Captain McMaster’s heroic actions in the defense of liberty and the cause of international justice, without regard for his own safety, reflect distinct credit on him, VIII Corps, and the United States Army.

Source of photo and information: en.wikipedia.org, valor.militarytimes.com